Star Wars Actress Nika Futterman’s Emotional Return as Asajj Ventress

Get ready for Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, which is nearly here! This upcoming series will delve deeper into the story of Asajj Ventress, a character we were previously introduced to in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. However, it’s important to note that she met her end in the official novel, The Dark Disciple.

The unexpected turn of events left many feeling disheartened, but with a sprinkle of Star Wars enchantment, the character miraculously resurrected in “The Bad Batch”. Now, viewers are treated to three additional episodes in “Tales of the Underworld”, delving deeper into this revitalized Asajj.

In a conversation between Russ Milheim from TopMob and Nika Futterman, the voice actress for Asajj Ventress, they delved into Futterman’s emotions upon her character’s initial demise and Asajj’s current path of redemption.

Actor Nika Futterman Was Angry and Bitter When Asajj Ventress Died

Futterman Was Hoping It Could Just Stay In the Books

TopMob: “Dark Disciple killed Ventress off. How did you feel when you originally learned that your character was killed off in that book and you weren’t going to be able to kind of get that closure yourself?”

Nika Futterman: Disappointed and frustrated, I thought, “It’s a standalone book, not part of the series.” That was my assumption. And feeling frustrated and disappointed, indeed, I didn’t take a liking to it. I found myself pleading, “Please, let it be a unique story. Let them conjure up some enchantment. And if she returns, I hope it will be me, oh please.” Dear universe, I implore you, in the guise of Dave Filoni.

Asajj Ventress and Her Atonement In Tales of the Underworld

“In the Beginning She Was Still Carrying Around a Lot of Her Anger

TopMob: “I feel like Atonement is a heavy topic on Asajj’s mind. How do you feel her guilt, kind of, for her role in The Clone Wars frames how she goes through life in this empire-led world?”

Nika Futterman: I believe she’s developed significantly, considering that earlier, she seemed to be still burdened by a considerable amount of her past anger, which is understandable. However, I wouldn’t want to suggest it was necessary. That’s not my true perspective…
It seems that you are describing a character who, as an infant, was kidnapped by pirates, taken to another planet, and then rescued by a kind Jedi who showed her the right path. Her life could have continued happily in this manner, but unfortunately, she faced more hardship when the Jedi was killed.
She temporarily governs the planet before being compelled by villains to become a gladiator. Later, a villain praises her for her toughness, seizes her, and then she ruthlessly carries out his orders. Positivity is absent from her life during this period.
She acts as the ruler of the planet briefly before being coerced into becoming a gladiator by evil forces. Afterward, a villain acknowledges her strength and captures her. While under his control, she becomes ruthless in executing his commands. During this time, she is not associated with anything positive.
The individual whom she once cherished no longer lives, leaving her a solitary figure, seemingly intent on causing harm and venting her frustration on anyone who crosses her path as if guided by her lightsabers. I don’t believe she gave it much thought, except to express her anger, feeling that her life is miserable, and this destructive behavior allows her to inflict harm on others, somehow finding solace in the belief that her actions make her life worthwhile.
However, as time passes, minor occurrences ensue, and as she matures, her bond with this force becomes stronger, almost unconsciously… She seems to experience these emotions that, at the moment, she wouldn’t verbalize as guilt, but perhaps they are akin to an unavoidable sense of remorse.
1. I desire to assist someone, or shield someone, or express something, and as a result, these small character developments occur, or she performs such actions, or even in Ahsoka’s case, rescuing her, or the various events that unfolded during ‘Clone Wars’. However, I believe she was not fully aware of her good qualities at that time.
2. I wish to aid someone, or safeguard someone, or communicate something, leading to these minor plotlines, or she exhibits such behaviors, or for instance, Ahsoka’s rescue, which took place during ‘Clone Wars’. Nevertheless, it seems she was not fully cognizant of her virtuous side.
3. I yearn to support someone, or guard someone, or convey something, causing these short narratives to unfold, or she displays such actions, or take Ahsoka for example, who was rescued during ‘Clone Wars’. Yet, it appears she was not fully in tune with her noble traits.
In simpler terms, the book’s location might be significant to her character, as finding love and recalling its essence can have a profound impact, affecting both good and bad individuals alike. This emotional journey could potentially alter the course of her life in the universe we know.

The Importance of Quinlan Voss to Asajj Ventress

Quinlan Might Be Absent, But He Isn’t Forgotten.

TopMob: “Quinlan Voss is obviously a very important part of Ventress’ story. Now that she’s kind of existing separate from him, without him knowing. What is that relationship to her at this point, and how is it influencing her as she’s going around the world?”

Consider the journey as a visual road; he is at its end. She needs to walk this path, following it closely, because I believe this might not only be crucial but also a strong influence shaping her direction of travel.

Nika Futterman on Asajj Ventress’ Future

“It’d Be Really Interesting for Her to Have Her Own Show.”

TopMob: “They just announced a new animated show, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord. Now that Ventress is alive and active, what are the odds that fans can expect to see her show up in his story that unfolds?”

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but ponder over the question that keeps popping up: “What if I knew the chances?” Alas, I don’t have that answer. In fact, it’s something I wish I did know! But imagine how intriguing it would be if she had her own show, and he could pay her a visit there. That thought alone is captivating!

The full interview can be viewed below:

You can start streaming “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld” on Disney+ from May 4th, with the initial two episodes having been shown early on May 2nd within Fortnite.

2025-05-04 21:36